New proposals recommend giving iPads to prisoners

An adviser to the Ministry of Justice has said that prisoners should be given iPads.

Sir Martin Narey claims that technology could help improve the numeracy and literacy skills of prisoners as well as helping them to stay connected to their family members. Speaking to the The Times, the former Head of the Prison Service likened such a move to the introduction of telephones to prisons and explained that the possibility of giving prisoners iPads is something that should be considered. "They were worried about having telephones on wings, but prisoners should be skyping or facetiming their children. We should use technology for education and to maintain family times." The proposal also appears to have the backing of Dame Sally Coates - currently leading a review of education in prisons. "If you haven't got the skills to get a job, then you're much more likely to reoffend," she explained. The Times also claims that the proposals are being considered by Justice Minister Michael Gove.